NEW SECTION.Sec. 14. A new section is added to chapter 28A.300 RCW to read as follows:

(1) The sum of five million dollars, or as much thereof as may be necessary, is appropriated for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2019, from the general fund to the office of the superintendent of public instruction for the creation a grant program and award grants to school districts to employ school-based mental health counselors to improve school safety.

(2) Mental health counselors must be licensed by the state under chapter 18.225 RCW and may only work within the scope of their license.

(3) The office of the superintendent of public instruction must identify criteria for awarding the grants, evaluating the applicants, and awarding grant money. The award criteria must include a requirement that a school district applicant must demonstrate a need for school-based mental health services.

NEW SECTION.Sec. 15. A new section is added to chapter 28A.410 RCW to read as follows:

(1) The Washington professional educator standards board shall review how the role of school-based mental health counselors differs from school counselors, psychologists, and social workers, which are positions certified by the board.

(2) By November 1, 2018, the board must make recommendations on whether school-based mental health counselors should be certified by the board and potential certification requirements.

(3) This section expires August 1, 2019."

Renumber the remaining parts and sections consecutively and correct any internal references accordingly.

SSB 6620 - S AMD 955

By Senator Frockt

On page 1, line 10 of the title, after "rifles;" strike "and" and after "funds;" insert "and creating a mental health services grant program;"

On page 1, line 17 of the title, after " 28A.310 RCW;" insert "adding a new section to chapter 28A.410 RCW;"

On page 1, line 18 of the title, after "penalties;" insert "making an appropriation;"

On page 1, line 18 of the title, after "providing" strike "an expiration date" and insert "expiration dates"

EFFECT: Adds a school-based mental health counselor grant program and directs the Professional Educator Standards Board to make recommendations regarding future certification.